PUBLISHED: 4:00 on December 5, 2023.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, an amnesty bill proposed by the main opposition Move Forward Party ( MFP ) has encountered opposition from a number of other parties due to its inclusion of lese majeste offenses.
While some parities support the amnesty bill’s objectives, he claimed, each harbors its own reservations about particular provisions, especially the suggested pardoning of those accused of or found guilty of lese majeste. The MFP’s parole request has divided public opinion, according to Mr. Phumtham, a senior member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party who also serves as commerce secretary. If the disagreements can be resolved and the expenses does not further enrage the public, the party is willing to lend its support.
According to Cholnan Srikaew, the administrative board of Pheu Thai and the legal team had weigh whether the party or the government should propose its own asylum legislation.
Dr. Cholnan, a former Pheu Thai head, responded that the party has not yet discussed the rumors in the media claiming the secretary-general of the country may consider the group’s own version. He added that particular agreements might need to be made in order for the proposed amnesty to receive support from all parties.
Varawut Silpa-archa, the president of the Chartthaipattana Party, declared that his party opposes issuing asylum to those accused of or found guilty of lese majeste or other serious offenses that could harm the country.
While noting that fraud cases over the past 20 years have had nothing to do with promoting social peace, Mr. Varawut, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, stated that he has not yet studied the specifics of the MFP’s asylum costs.
Director of the Chartthaipattana Party Nikorn Chamnong said he supports the government’s plan for its own amnesty bill but emphasized that any plan may eliminate lese qualifications and serious crimes.
A different asylum plan was welcomed by MFP MP Parit Wacharasindhu, who claimed that it would enable the House to hold a more in-depth discussion.
When questioned about the group’s input-gathering battle, he responded that the MFP wants to involve all related parties, especially the state, in the issue in order to get the needed support from government MPs to pass the bill into law.
On October 5, the House Speaker received the MFP-proposed expenses. The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, the Women’s Democratic Reform Committee, and other organizations are likely to gain from the asylum request.